Bicarbonate alkalinity

BICARBONATE ALKALINITY

• Bicarbonate alkalinity is the most readily noticeable form of alkalinity in water
• The chemical formula of bicarbonate is HCO3-
• The structure of bicarbonate, the ion that causes bicarbonate alkalinity, is composed of a carbon atom in the center of the formation with three oxygen atoms attached to it
• Bicarbonate alkalinity aids in neutralizing the acids in water, therefore helping to balance the pH. 
• Bicarbonate, serves as a type of buffer.
• Bicarbonate alkalinity occurs as a result of the presence of bicarbonate, which is formed in water when CO2 molecules are brought into contact with carbonates. 
• Other atoms can join with bicarbonate ions to create different bicarbonate compounds. For example, a sodium ion, when exposed to a bicarbonate ion, may form NaHCO3